Monitor and maintain the growth of crops or plants

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This standard is for those who monitor and maintain the growth of crops or plants in outdoor or protected conditions.
This will include establishing measures to optimise plant health and development, and in some cases, supervising operatives. 
This includes crops or plants in any agricultural or horticultural setting, whether amenity (green roofs, parks and gardens, sports turf, etc) or crop production (fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, etc).
You will require considerable knowledge of the principles of plant growth and development and plant health.
If you are working with machinery, equipment or chemicals you should be trained, and hold the current certification where required, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment, and work towards preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity and responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

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1. assess the risks associated with monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants
2. confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn
3. confirm that measures to maintain suitable levels of hygiene and bio-security are in place, in accordance with organisational requirements
4. carry out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work
5. identify and plan suitable methods to monitor and maintain the growth of crops or plants, in accordance with instructions and specifications
6. confirm that the working methods for monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants are established and clearly communicated to those involved
7. identify and confirm the availability of resources required for monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants
8. inspect crops or plants to assess their condition
9. seek technical advice where required
10. identify any issues with crop or plant health
11. determine suitable measures to deal with the identified issues and maintain crop or plant health
12. identify ways to optimise the growth and development of crops or plants
13. implement measures to maintain or optimise the growth of crops or plants, in accordance with instructions and specifications
14. check that the equipment required to implement measures is used and maintained safely and correctly
15. confirm that measures for the recycling or disposal of waste and surplus material are in accordance with legal and organisational requirements
16. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of all actions taken to maintain the healthy growth of crops or plants
17. confirm all work is carried out in a manner that minimises environmental damage
18. confirm that environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are implemented across your area of responsibility
19. confirm records are completed as required by the relevant legislation and organisational requirements

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1. how to identify hazards, assess risks and interpret risk assessments
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the methods of maintaining hygiene and bio-security when monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants, and the reasons why this is important
4. the importance of carrying out an environmental assessment of the site before commencing work and the findings that may affect activities
5. the importance of confirming that the activities involved in monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants are completed in accordance with instructions and specifications
6. the methods that can be used to monitor the growth and development of crops or plants, including the use of thresholds and schedules
7. the equipment and materials required for monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants and how to check they are used and maintained in a safe and effective condition and stored securely
8. the importance of maintaining effective communication with those involved in monitoring and controlling the growth of crops or plants and how this should be done
9. the effective and efficient use of resources when monitoring and maintaining the growth of crops or plants
10. the stages of crop or plant development
11. the importance of inspecting crops or plants and how to determine when this should be carried out
12. where to seek technical advice on the identification of issues with crops or plants and the measures that can be taken
13. how to recognise signs of damage or issues with crop or plant health
14. how to determine suitable measures to deal with issues and maintain the growth of crops or plants, and the implications of not taking action
15. the methods for optimising crop or plant health and development
16. the current national legislation controlling the use of fertilisers and treatments for crops and plants
17. the problems that may arise when monitoring and controlling the growth of crops or plants and how these should be dealt with
18. the legal and organisational requirements for the handling, transporting and recycling or disposal of waste and surplus material
19. the importance of monitoring and evaluating the outcome of all actions taken to maintain the healthy growth of crops or plants
20. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment, including NVZ (Nitrate Vulnerable Zone) considerations, water pollution and the impacts of overdosing on plant health
21. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies
22. the importance of maintaining records on the development of crops or plants, in accordance with the relevant legal and organisational requirements

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Issues with crop or plant growth and development:

• crop or plant growth

o stunted, excessive or inappropriate growth

o damaged plants (e.g. wind, hail, storm damage)

o weeds 

> • pests, diseases and disorders>

o animal

o insect

o viral

o bacterial

o fungal

o nutrient

o trace element deficiency

o drought

o water logging

Instructions and specifications: > • drawings/plans• schedules• method statements• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)• manufacturer’s guidelines • customer requirements• quality assurance requirements• crop requirements• verbal instructionsMeasures to maintain and optimise the growth of crops or plants: > • protection from birds and vertebrate pests • pest-control measures• disease-control measures• weed-control measures• weather protection• pruning and trimming• reducing/thinning out• providing support• provision of nutrients• provision of water• growth regulators• control of temperature, humidity, light and shadePest control:> • fencing• scarers• repellents• shooting• biological• chemical• use of beneficial insects and animals

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3

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2027

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANH12

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Fruit and Vegetable Production Worker, Gardener, Nursery Worker, Roofers Fortifiers and Slaters, Crofter, Smallholder

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5113

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crops; plants; growth; fruit; vegetables; shrubs; sedums; pruning; trimming; nutrients; water

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